October 2 - California Gov. Gray Davis signs three gay rights bills into law. The first outlawed harassment of homosexual students and teachers in the state's public schools. The second created a new state-wide domestic partnership registry. The third outlawed job and housing discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

October 10 - Harvard University study show scientific support for "gaydar", saying gay men and lesbians are better than heterosexuals at picking out homosexual individuals from random population samples.

October 13 - Same-sex marriage: In France, the National Assembly grants unwed opposite- and same-sex couples the same rights as the married.

October 15 - Washington Times reports claims George W. Bush ensured conservative supporters that he would not "knowingly" appoint any homosexuals as embassadors or department heads in his administration if elected president.